Porsche Renames Cajun, Teases New 2013 Macan Compact SUV

Once upon a time, Porsche's small SUV was largely known as the Cajun -- but by the time it reaches showrooms, that won't be the case. The automaker officially confirmed today that its new sub-Cayenne SUV will be known as the 2013 Porsche Macan.

What's a Macan? Technically, it's the Indonesian word for tiger, but Porsche suggests the name "combines suppleness, power, fascination, and dynamics."

"The Porsche Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of a SUV, and is a genuine Porsche," said Bernhard Maier, member of the executive board of sales and marketing at Porsche AG, in a prepared release. "The name of a new Porsche has to fit with the brand, sound good in very many languages and dialects, and evoke positive associations."

The official rendering shown here, which was released this morning, echoes our previous illustrations. The Porsche Macan bears a close resemblance to its larger sibling, the Porsche Cayenne, but also appears to look a little more like its sports car siblings, especially in the front clip. We're told the Macan and Q5 share hard points (i.e. pillar position, windshield angle, etc.), but the two share no exterior or interior body panel. The illustration shows a five-door model, although there's also a chance the Macan will be offered in a three-door form to counter the Range Rover Evoque.

As previously reported, the Porsche Macan will share its architecture with Audi's Q5. Powertrain offerings will likely include a 235-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4, along with a form of Volkswagen/Audi's supercharged 3.0-liter V-6, possibly good for 333-350 hp. As we previously reported, a Macan Turbo S is also under consideration, and could use a hotter, Porsche-developed twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. The driveline will be based off Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, but Macan models should receive Porsche-specific touches like launch control, optional carbon ceramic disc brakes, and a sport-tuned exhaust system.

We'll likely see more details emerge shortly, as the Porsche Macan should launch in time for the 2013 model year. The automaker has invested nearly $691 million to add the Macan to its assembly plant in Leipzig, Germany; if all goes according to plan, Porsche hopes to sell nearly 50,000 units annually.